Effects of enteral immunonutrition on postoperative complications of colorectal cancer surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Abstract
Objective: Enteral immunonutrition is extensively administered to patients who have undergone colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. However, its efficacy in reducing postoperative complications and the length of hospital stay (LOS) remains controversial. The aims of our meta-analysis were to investigate the effects of enteral immunonutrition on postoperative complications in patients undergoing CRC surgery.
Methods: We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, and Wanfang databases from January 2000 to December 2025 and the reference lists of selected randomized controlled trials (RCT) The odds ratio (OR), weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to assess the association between enteral immunonutrition and postoperative complications in patients undergoing CRC surgery.
Results: Nine studies involving 1,198 patients with CRC were identified. Our results demonstrated that enteral immunonutrition could reduce the incidence of infectious complications 95% CI among postoperative CRC patients (OR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.34-0.66; P P = 0.063), ileus (OR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.44-1.24; P = 0.249), or LOS (WMD = -0.78; 95% CI: -2.02 to 0.47; P = 0.222), and we found no associations between enteral immunonutrition and anastomotic leakage, ileus and LOS in patients who underwent CRC surgery.
Conclusions: Enteral immunonutrition could reduce the incidence of infectious complications in patients undergoing CRC surgery. However, it did not reduce the incidence of postoperative…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 1,198 participants or records.
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